Tinned tuna is a cupboard staple across UK households, often used in salads, sandwiches, wraps and jacket potatoes. But it can taste bland straight from the tin. Cooks and nutritionists have repeatedly suggested one alternative fridge ingredient that delivers plenty of flavour, has a similar texture and is significantly healthier than mayonnaise: plain Greek yoghurt.
Why Greek yoghurt works with tuna
Tinned tuna has a relatively subtle flavour, which pairs well with ingredients that contribute creaminess, acidity, saltiness and freshness. Greek yoghurt gives the tuna a creamy consistency while adding a gentle tang.
Alex, a registered dietitian, frequently shares straightforward swaps on her website Daisybeet, including this tuna recipe. Her 10-minute recipe also includes Dijon mustard, pickles and fresh dill to produce a simple yet far more flavourful tuna mixture.
The Greek yoghurt tuna recipe
Ingredients: two cans of tinned tuna, one-third cup of plain Greek yoghurt, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, two dill pickles finely diced, one tablespoon of fresh dill finely chopped, and salt to taste.
Begin by draining the tuna thoroughly, as excess liquid can make the finished salad watery rather than creamy. Transfer the drained tuna to a mixing bowl and gently separate it with a fork. Incorporate the Greek yoghurt and stir it through. Mix in the mustard to add a sharp, savoury note that prevents the tuna from tasting bland. Chop the pickles finely and mix them in to provide pockets of salty, tangy flavour and crunch. Finally, fold through the chopped dill and add salt if desired.
Ways to adapt the basic mixture
Once the basic Greek yoghurt mixture is mastered, there are numerous ways to adapt it depending on what is in the fridge. For a crunchy texture, add finely chopped cucumber, celery, red onion or spring onion. For a vibrant, flavoursome dish, a squeeze of lemon lifts the tuna mixture, with the acidity pairing especially well with the Greek yoghurt. Dill is a natural companion, but parsley and chives can also add a different flavour. For those who enjoy heat, chilli flakes, hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be incorporated.
